CELTIC will hold talks with the South Korean FA in a bid to delay Cha Du Ri and Ki Sung Yueng's departure for the Asian Cup.

The Parkhead duo have been called up for their country for January's Asian Cup in Qatar.

Cha and Ki are set to join up with their international squad for the prestigious tournament following their Boxing Day clash with St Johnstone for a training camp in Kuwait before heading to Qatar.

But Celtic are keen for their South Korean duo to remain in Glasgow for their meeting with Motherwell on December 29 and then their crunch clash with Old Firm rivals Rangers on January 2.

Celtic refused to allow Ki to take part in this month's Under-23 Asian Games as the tournament is not recognised by FIFA but world football's governing body recognise the Asian Cup, which is on a par with the European Championships.

South Korea can insists their players are released for the tournament but Cha hopes he will be able to face Rangers before joining up with his international team-mates.

Cha said: Normally, I think after the game on December 26, me and Ki must first go to Kuwait and then onto Qatar.

"I don't know the rules. If the Korean national team calls then I think we must go but, for me, if we can play on January 2 and after that we can go, I would like that. But this is a decision for the national team and the club.

"We are not in contact with the national coach at the moment but in December we will speak with him. "I hope we can go a little bit later - after the Rangers game - and that will be okay."